Yemen, early 20th century. Comprising three ethnic Yemenite necklaces, the first made of metal beads with few red glass beads, a central pendant and two smaller lateral pendants, four grelots are hanging from each of the lateral pendants, creating a jingling sound as the wearer moves, the central pendant of U-shape is also adorned with four suspended pendants, the necklace closes with a clasp. The second with strands of small metal beads intercepted by slim rectangular panels and flanked by a pair of triangular panels, suspended from the lower string are five rectangular pendants with grelots fringes, the central one is inset with a red bead, the necklace closes with a clasp. The third a necklace with strands of small metal beads intercepted by rectangular panels and flanked by a pair of triangular panels, suspended from the central panels are five pendants with metal fringes, two have tubular shapes, one is shaped as a flattened flower head, one is inset with a red glass nugget and the last is inset with a glass piece with the letters COINTREAU, from a vintage glass bottle of that famous brand. All the metal elements are finely decorated with floral elements and beaded borders, on a textile braided string.

Condition: Good condition with expected traces of use and wear as well as minor dents and surface scratches.
Provenance: Romy Rey Collection, London. Romy Rey (1938-2020) was born in Zurich, Switzerland, studied in Paris and Geneva, and settled in London in the 1960s. She shared her life with the artist Brian Davies (1942-2014), in London and in Southern France. Romy was an avid traveler and dedicated collector of tribal art. Her paintings often portrayed images of ancient or tribal objects in imaginary settings.

Weight: 104 g, 112 g and 164 g
Dimensions: Length 50 cm, 36 cm and 59 cm (full length)

In the 19th century, until their final exodus to Israel in the 1950s, Jewish goldsmiths made most of the jewelry in the Yemen. They were particularly renowned for the quality of their filigree work. This type of necklace, called a lazem, is one of the traditional styles made by the Jewish goldsmiths. Its main distinguishing feature was one or more pendent cylindrical amulet cases. These amulets were worn by both Jews and Muslims. In many cases, the case did not open, as the shape alone was considered sufficient to provide protection.

Literature comparison: For a related lazem necklace see The Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number M.98-1909.